The leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is the fourth largest tortoise species and is found in central Africa. Females can reach weights of over 30 pounds while males are typically half that size or less. These animals live for decades and often outlive their owners. Despite their massive size they are gentle and seem to form a surprisingly close bond with their owners.
The large scute plates of the leopard tortoise shell are patterned with black blotches, spots and dashes on a yellow or tan background. These blotches and stripes camouflage the tortoise against the green vegetation of its native habitat in Africa. Leopard tortoises lack ears but are able to sense vibrations from their surroundings. They also do not have teeth but shear grass with a horny beak. Like all tortoises they store water in a “bursa sac” to help keep them hydrated during the winter and when food is scarce.
These reptiles are crepuscular, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid the hammering sun’s rays and foraging at night when it is cooler. They have been known to travel great distances to forage and are often found on roadsides or in fields.
Hatchlings and juveniles should be housed indoors, away from predators in a tortoise enclosure sized to allow them to move around. The enclosure should have a warm spot and a cool spot, as well as shallow pans of clean water to soak in. The tortoise should have a hiding place in its enclosure where it can retreat when the temperature changes or if it feels threatened by another animal. This will reduce stress and help the tortoise to regulate its body temperature.